With the core of the championship team, including legends Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, traded away, the Boston Celtics clearly are now Rajon Rondo’s team. But he’s not expected to return from an ACL injury until the fall or winter. Fans in TD Garden seats might not recognize some of the new faces running up and down the parquet floor, but Boston fans are loyal so you can bet Celtics tickets will remain a hot item.

So who and what will they see? For the first time since signing Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007, the Celtics are not expected to contend for an NBA championship – or even the Atlantic Division title. General manager Danny Ainge blew up the veteran squad and acquired multiple draft picks in the process. They’re starting anew in Boston, including rookie head coach Brad Stevens, whom Ainge plucked from Butler. The 37-year old Stevens brings optimism and enthusiasm to the bench, which fans in the TD Garden seats will appreciate. He’s not the fiery leader that his predecessor Doc Rivers was, but Stevens is praised for his analytical mind and intense preparation. Still, there will be an adjustment period for Stevens who must get acclimated to the NBA and gain the respect of his players. Jeff Green and Avery Bradley are the only two returning starters and much will be asked of them, especially with Rondo expected to be out early in the season. Green averaged 12.8 points per game last season while Bradley, one of the top defenders in the league, averaged 9.2. Jordan Crawford (11.6 ppg) is a natural scorer and he could have a bigger role this season, although fans in TD Garden seats won’t be mistaking him for Pierce any time soon. Veterans Courtney Lee, Brandon Bass, Jared Sullinger return and the Celtics picked up Gerald Wallace in the trade with Brooklyn. Rookie Kelly Olynyk caught the attention of many during summer league with his shooting and ball-handling skills. The skilled seven-footer will help sell Celtics tickets.

But the Celtics (41-40 last season) are going to struggle, especially without Rondo. You can’t lose one of the top coaches in the game and two future Hall of Famers without a significant dropoff. Boston has a bunch of complementary players and Ainge knows its best days are a couple of years away. Ainge has made some bold personnel moves in the past – and most have been successful so he gets the benefit of the doubt. Fans should have patience. He’s building a winner and those who buy Celtics tickets can witness the rebuilding process.